State transportation officials to host public meeting on Route 153 bridge project in Farmington

FARMINGTON - State Transportation officials hope to receive public input about a project to replace the bridge along Route 153 over the Cocheco River.

A meeting is scheduled for April 4 in the Farmington Town Hall, 356 Main St. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for informal viewing of the project information, with a formal presentation starting at 7 p.m. Members of the N.H. Department of Transportation will then hear from officials and residents about their concerns, goals and questions.When state and local officials discussed the project on Jan. 14, the consensus was to use a detour rather than keep one lane open during construction. The estimated cost of the detour is $2.9 million - which is about $500,000 more than the phased option, according to the meeting minutes.

Officials also talked about water lines, sewer mains, ambulance service and sidewalks for students as part of the process.